Taking Kratom During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Is it safe to take kratom while pregnant?

It is very important for pregnant women to monitor everything they put into their bodies as the fetus growing inside them is affected by everything they consume. For this reason, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and illegal substances. However, this may prove to be difficult for women who depend on medications to function in their daily lives.

Kratom is a substance derived from a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the coffee family. It is native to Southeast Asia and has stimulant-like effects. At high doses, it can provide sedative effects. It is classified as an opioid drug in the United States. Because it is classified as an opioid, it is recommended that women avoid using kratom while they are pregnant.

You should consult with your doctor before using any substance while pregnant, including kratom. If you are using kratom and become pregnant, tell your doctor as soon as possible. You should wean off kratom slowly, as this substance can produce withdrawal symptoms if it is abruptly stopped. Physical symptoms associated with kratom withdrawal include insomnia, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, muscle pain, sweating, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, hot flashes, watery eyes and nose, hiccups, and tremors. Other psychological withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, tension, anger, hostility, aggression, sadness, confusion, delusion, hallucination, and intense cravings. Daily use of kratom can lead to dependence.

Will taking kratom cause birth defects?

The effects of kratom on fetuses have not been widely studied. Because of this lack of research, pregnant women should not use kratom. It is unknown if using kratom while pregnant will cause birth defects in a fetus or newborn baby.

Another reason why women should avoid using kratom while they are pregnant is that the drug is highly unregulated. Because this substance is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there could be unknown, harmful substances in different types of kratom products. To minimize the risk of negative effects on a fetus, women should not use kratom during pregnancy.

There has been some research indicating that using opioids during pregnancy is dangerous. Using opioids during pregnancy can produce the following effects in a fetus or newborn baby: excessive fluid in the baby’s brain, glaucoma, a hole in the abdominal wall, congenital heart defects, and Spina Bifida.

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